Durham Region Weekly Beach Report
Beach monitoring
Throughout the summer, Durham Region Health Department tests waters at public beaches as part of its beach monitoring program. Tests carried out at all Durham Region beaches include testing water samples for high levels of bacteria to let beach visitors know which beaches are safe for swimming. Unless otherwise indicated, results reflect routine, weekly monitoring conducted by Health Department staff.
Each week when test results are reviewed, they will be posted below and sent to the media to help notify the public.
| 2019 beach testing results |
Test results for this week indicate that two beach have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of August 19, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
|
Week of Aug. 12, 2019
|
Test results for this week indicate that one beach has been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of August 12, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
|
|
Week of Aug. 5, 2019
|
Test results for this week indicate that three beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels. Test results for the week of August 5, 2019
Test results for the week of Aug. 5, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
|
| Week of July 29, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that one beach has been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 29, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
|
| Week of July 22, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that one beach has been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 22, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
|
| Week of July 15, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that one beach has been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 15, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to high water and debris in the area.
|
| Week of July 8, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that no beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 8, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to high water and debris in the area.
|
| Week of July 2, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that two beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 2, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to high water and debris in the area.
|
| Week of June 24, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that all Durham Region beaches are safe for swimming.
Test results for the week of June 24, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
*Beach has not been tested due to high water and debris in the area.
|
| Week of June 17, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that all Durham Region beaches are safe for swimming.
Test results for the week of June 17, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to high water and debris in the area.
|
| Week of June 10, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that four beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of June 10, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Posted
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to high water and debris in the area.
|
| Week of June 3, 2019 |
Test results for this week indicate that all Durham Region beaches are safe for swimming.
Test results for the week of June 3, 2019
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
**Water sample unsuitable for testing |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
**Water sample unsuitable for testing |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
**Water sample unsuitable for testing |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to high water and debris in the area.
**Unsuitable for testing due to elevated levels of debris in the collected water samples.
|
|
| Beach testing results archive |
| Week of August 27, 2018 |
|
This is the Health Department’s final update for the 2018 summer season.
Test results for this week indicate that two beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of August 27, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of August 20, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that three beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of August 20, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
*Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of August 13, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that one beach has been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of August 13, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of August 7, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that five beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of August 7, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
*Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Posted
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of July 30, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that two beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 30, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
*Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of July 23, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that seven beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 23, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Posted
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of July 16, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that two beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 16, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Posted |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of July 9, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that seven beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 9, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of July 2, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that one beach has been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of July 2, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of June 25, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that two beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of June 25, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of June 18, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that four beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of June 18, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of June 11, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that no beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of June 11, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Open
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
| Week of June 4, 2018 |
Test results for this week indicate that five beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
Test results for the week of June 4, 2018
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|
| Ajax |
Pickering Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Brock |
Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9)
Map this location |
Posted |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington |
Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa |
Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.)
Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering |
Frenchman's Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade)
Map this location |
**Not tested |
| Scugog |
Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park - Water St. and Mary St.)
Map this location |
*Open |
| Uxbridge |
Elgin Pond (Mill Pond - Main St and Mill St.)
Map this location |
Posted
|
| Whitby |
Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park - South Blair St. and Water St.)
Map this location |
Open |
*Blue-green algae advisory sign posted.
**Beach has not been tested due to access issues.
|
|
Blue-green algae
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae are microscopic, plant-like organisms that occur naturally in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Blue-green algae can occur as blooms in the water, or can also be present in the water even if no bloom is seen. The algae are often blue-green in colour, but can also be olive-green or red.
| How to identify blue-green algae |
Learn how to identify blue-green algae
Water looks cloudy.
Do not swim or let children play in the water.
 Algae may be in balls or flakes in the water, like a pea puree.
Do not swim or let children play in the water.
Do not use the water for drinking, cooking, rinsing foods, or washing dishes.
Do not let pets or livestock drink the water.
 There is a dense bloom and may look like a paint spill or scum on the water.
Do not swim or let children play in the water.
Do not use the water for drinking, cooking, rinsing foods, or washing dishes.
Do not let pets or livestock drink the water.
Adapted with permission from Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
Protect yourself, your family and your pets
People can protect themselves and their pets from blue-green algae blooms by not swimming or playing in areas where water is discoloured, or where foam, scum or mats of algae on the water’s surface are present. Also, children and pets should not play in or drink water in areas where a water quality advisory is posted, and consuming fish from areas where mats of algae are present, or where a water quality advisory is posted, is also not advisable.
Report blue-green algal blooms
To report blue-green algal blooms, call the MECP's Spills Action Centre at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477), or call the Health Department’s Environmental Help Line.
More information
|
Blue-green algae monitoring and signage
What is Blue-Green Algae? sign
Water Quality Advisory sign
Blue-green algae signs will be posted at all public beaches in Durham Region throughout the swimming season. What is Blue-Green Algae? will provide the public with general information about blue-green algae and precautionary measures you can take when visiting our beaches.
If a blue-green algae bloom is identified by the Health Department through a visual confirmation and/or confirmation by water quality testing conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), a Water Quality Advisory for blue-green algae will be posted at the affected beach and will replace the general information sign.
If a Water Quality Advisory is issued for blue-green algae at a beach location, signage will remain in place for the remainder of the beach season.
Testing for blue-green algae is not conducted on a routine basis. Water conditions can change quickly and at any time. You may see a Water Quality Advisory sign posted at beaches where you may not see an algae bloom. Always take a cautious approach. Toxins that can be harmful to both humans and animals may still be present.
To report blue-green algal blooms, call the MECP's Spills Action Centre at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477), or call the Health Department’s Environmental Help Line.
Current water quality advisories in Durham Region
There are currently no water quality advisories issued for Durham Region.
|
Swim safe
|
Durham Region Health Department posts signs to tell you if it is safe to swim. We check for water bacteria. If it's higher than the provincial guidelines for recreational water quality, we notify the public.
Check for signs that may show that the beach is not safe for swimming.
If you don't see an "unsafe for swimming" sign, follow these general rules:
Avoid swimming if:
- You can't see your feet when standing in waist deep water.
- It has been raining two days before you plan on swimming.
- In Durham Region, all beaches have permanent yellow signs posted on beaches from June to September.
- Don't swim in beach water for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall. High levels of bacteria in the water may be harmful to your health.
We will post a blue-green algae advisory sign at a beach where blue-green algae has been identified in the past or may be currently present.
|
|
What are the risks of going into the water?
|
|
We may post a sign because the water has bacteria that could give you an infection, especially if you have an existing infection or open cut.
The most common issues are:
- Minor skin issues
- Eye infections
- Nose infections
- Throat infections
- Upset stomach
The people who are most at risk for these infections are:
- Young children
- Older people
- People with weak immune systems
|
|
What is polluting our beaches?
|
Several sources of water pollution can cause us to post a sign.
These include:
- Heavy rain or storm water run-off into rivers and lakes.
- Storm water run-off that contains bacteria from animal droppings.
- Storm water run-off from ditches and storm sewers.
- Overflows from sewers that have both sewage and storm water.
- Overflows that have not been treated by municipal or industrial sewage treatment plants.
- Domestic septic systems that are not properly maintained and poorly located.
- Illegally connected sanitary sewers and poorly installed basement washrooms.
- Run-off from manure piles and feed lots.
- Run-off from farming lands near swimming areas.
- Farming activities, particularly cattle operations that are not properly managed.
- Large numbers of water birds that settle at a beach or surrounding area.
- Environmental conditions such as wind, rain, sunlight, air and water temperature.
- Waste left from boats.
How can you help to keep our beaches clean and safe for swimming?
- Respect stoop and scoop bylaws. Pet droppings are a big cause of bacteria in storm water. Pick up dog droppings right away from streets, public parks and private property.
- Improve septic systems and keep them working properly.
- Make sure that any washrooms that you add to your home are properly connected to the sanitary sewer pipes or your private sewage disposal system.
- Do not attract animals or birds to beaches by feeding them.
- Clear backwash pool water three days after the last chemical treatment. Clear it into the sanitary sewer or to the storm sewer.
- If you allow pool water to flow across a lawn, some water will enter the ground and most pool chemicals will dissolve into the air.
- Wherever possible, detach eaves trough downspouts so that rainwater goes into the ground rather than into the sewer.
- Lower water use at home. This helps avoid overflow problems at some municipal sewage treatment plants that may cause untreated sewage to enter lakes and rivers.
- Consider a driveway of crushed or interlocking stone. An open surface driveway such as this reduces the amount of storm water that goes into the sewer system. It also refills groundwater.
- In farming areas, keep livestock away from streams and give them another source of water.
- Make sure that run-off from feed lots and manure piles are contained properly.
- Practice pollution-free boating by properly disposing of human wastes.
Adapted with permission of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
|
